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UH President Shares Story with ‘Living Archives Series’

January 29, 2010-Houston-

Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the UH System, visits the UH Friends of Women's Studies "Living Archives Series" to share her story of challenges and successes on the road to becoming the first Indianimmigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the United States.

The event is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1 in the Rockwell Pavilion of the M.D. Anderson Library, 2nd floor.

Khator assumed her dual appointment at the University of Houston in January of 2008.

Her story began with an arranged marriage. She moved to the U.S. from India with her new husband, Suresh, and aspirations of higher education. Though she spoke almost no English, she followed her husband to Purdue University in hopes of pursuing graduate studies. With a master's degree and later a Ph.D, Khator rose through the ranks at the University of South Florida, where she stayed for 22 years, advancing to the position of provost and senior vice president. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, Khator is widely published and respected by her peers. Under her leadership, the university rapidly is moving toward achieving Tier-One status.

The "Living Archives" series features interviews with Houston women who have made a difference. These interviews are videotaped and incorporated into the collection of the Women's Archive and Resource Center, housed at the UH M.D. Anderson Library. Other topics featured have included "Women and Politics," "Surviving Katrina and Rita: Mothers' and Daughters' Stories," "Baha'i Women and Social Activism," and "Women in Fashion."

RSVP's are required. Call (713) 743-3214 to make a reservation. Admission is $5, though the event is free to students, seniors and members of the Friends of Women's Studies. Parking is available in the Welcome Center (for directions visit http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/WC.php). For more information visit, www.friendsofwomen.org.